Presented by : Lianna Balart,
Nathalie Navarro, Jorge Silva
What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a powerful hormone. Oxytocin’s level increases when,
we hug, or kiss someone. It plays roles especially in sexual
reproduction, the most common situations are before and after
childbirth. It is released in large amounts after distension of the
cervix and uterus during labor, facilitating birth, maternal
bonding, and, after stimulation of the nipples, breastfeeding.
This hormone affects orgasm, social recognition, pair bonding,
anxiety, and breastfeeding. That’s why sometimes it is called the
“love hormone”.
Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus. The myoepithelial cells
of the breast, which surround the alveoli of the mammary gland,
and the smooth muscle cells of the uterus.
How is oxytocin controlled?
Oxytocin is controlled by a positive feedback
mechanism where release of the hormone causes an
action which stimulates more of its own release. When
contraction of the uterus starts, for example, oxytocin
is released which stimulates more contractions and
more oxytocin to be released. In this way, contractions
increase in intensity and frequency.
There is also a positive feedback involved in the milkejection reflex. When a baby sucks at the breast of its
mother, the stimulation leads to oxytocin secretion into
the blood which then causes milk to be let down into
the breast. Oxytocin is also released into the brain to
help stimulate further oxytocin secretion. These
processes are self-limiting; production of the hormone
is stopped after the baby is delivered or when the baby
stops feeding.
Oxytocin can also
be used as an
injection which
benefits love
making
What is the normal function of oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a mammalian hormone that has many functions,
the most notable having to do with pregnant or lactating
mammals. In this capacity, some of the hormone’s main
function are preparing a female’s body for childbirth.
How does the hormone contribute to
homeostasis?
Oxytocin as feed inhibitor: maintaining homeostasis In
consummatory behavior.
What are the target organs/structures of
the hormone?
The structure of the hormone is very similar to that of
vasopressin, also a nonapeptide with a sulfur bridge, whose
sequence differs from oxytocin by two amino acids.
What are the causes and
symptoms of hypersecretion of the
hormone? What diseases result from
this condition?
Galactorrhea(leaking milk from breast tossue)
-Pituitary adenoma
-Hyperprolactinemia
-Prolactinamo
-Hypothyroidism
-Pituatary tumor
This is what the Oxytocin compound
looks like and the elements it’s made
out of.